Shehbaz Sharif Visits Iran Amid Regional Tensions; Receives Measured Response
Tehran, May 27, 2025 — In a bid to strengthen diplomatic ties and garner regional support, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Tehran, meeting with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. The visit comes a year after both nations conducted airstrikes in each other’s territories, signaling a move towards reconciliation and collaboration.
A central theme of the discussions was the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Ayatollah Khamenei commended Pakistan for resisting pressures to normalize relations with Israel, stating that Pakistan’s stance represents a commitment to the Palestinian cause. He emphasized the importance of Muslim unity in addressing the challenges faced by Palestinians.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed gratitude for Iran’s support during Pakistan’s recent tensions with India. He acknowledged Iran’s offer to mediate in the conflict, an offer Pakistan accepted but India declined. Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s desire for peaceful negotiations with India to resolve longstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute, while also cautioning that any aggression would be met with a decisive response.
The leaders also discussed enhancing bilateral trade, aiming to increase the trade volume to $10 billion. They agreed to collaborate on various sectors, including energy, commerce, and counter-terrorism efforts, highlighting the importance of regional stability and economic growth.
